Fiorina has argued that Boxer has been one of the most partisan of Senate Democrats, and that Boxer has done little since taking office in 1992.

It's all part of Fiorina's apparent strategy to essentially ignore that she has competition for the nomination -- namely, State Assemblyman Chuck DeVore -- preferring to assume the mantle of front-runner and run against Boxer's record.

It could all work to Fiorina's advantage, as Boxer represents the left-of-center wing of California democrats, with senior Senator Dianne Feinstein playing the role of centrist.

But while Feinstein can count on moderate Republicans swinging her way on election day, it remains to be seen if Fiorina can convince moderate Democrats to, essentially, vote for more Feinstein.

And Fiorina shouldn't assume that just because she's a woman, she can draw votes away from the Democrats -- trying to make an issue of Boxer demanding professional respect after being called "ma'am" by a general can't help Fiorina's cause with women who've similarly fought to be addressed appropriately in the workplace.

And Fiorina still has to convince conservative Republicans to give her the nomination in the first place.

Jackson West still think DeVore has a shot, since the last thing obstructionist Republicans seem to want right now is bipartisanship.